Roanoke County Police on Thursday advised individuals sitting in two trees in Bent Mountain that they are in violation of a federal court order signed by Judge Elizabeth Dillon on March 2, 2018 granting MVP immediate possession of parcels gained through laws of eminent domain. The individuals are in the right of way granted to MVP through the court order. The individuals have not complied with police directives. They will no longer be allowed to receive supplies from supporters. Anything the individuals need will be available to them when they come down from the trees.
On Friday Roanoke County Fire & Rescue and Police Department personnel notified the individuals in the trees, family members and supporters of concerns for their personal safety with severe weather moving through the area on Sunday. Fire & Rescue also inquired as to any medical needs they have and offered assistance. The individuals were appreciative of the concern for their safety and well being.
Police are assigned to the tree sits around the clock to ensure safety and enforce the law. Police are working with the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office to enforce any court orders and violations of law. They are not there to interpret decisions made by FERC in regards to construction activities or deadlines.